Jim Parsons, star of The Big Bang Theory, was the main attraction at Catastrophic Theatre's annual gala Saturday at Houston Studios. Parsons, who palled around with the Catastrophic crew when the company was known as Infernal Bridegroom Productions, returned home to meet and mingle with friends and fans. "I love coming back to Houston, but my allergies are suffering," he admitted. His newfound stardom as the lead on one of television's funniest sitcoms seems a little surreal to Parsons, who credits the show's writers for the great dialogue. He said the writers employ a UCLA physicist to make sure the banter is authentic.
Jim Parsons, left, with gala co-chairs Marita and J.B. FairbanksIn keeping with the theme, more than 300 partygoers dressed as their favorite TV characters. There were several Gilligans, the cast of Mad Men, Marge Simpson, Magnum PI, Wonder Woman, the crazy French woman from Lost and Tootie from The Facts of Life. Sometimes it was hard to tell who was who. We thought the woman with a tin foil hat was from My Favorite Martian; she had a blank look on her face when we complimented her on her costume. "I'm TV static," she informed us. And what about the woman in a Fair Isle sweater toting a log? We thought she was from Northern Exposure. Wrong. "Twin Peaks," she replied.
Co-chairs Sally and Bill Russ came as characters Morticia and Gomez from "The Addams Family"Catastrophic cast members Tamarie Cooper, right, and Kyle Sturdivant channeled Alexis Carrington and Krystle Carrington from the 80s hit, Dynasty. The duo planned a slapfest for later in the evening. But who is Alexis' mystery child?
Remember the classic Carol Burnett Gone With The Wind sketch where she portrayed Scarlett O'Hara and wore a gown with a curtain rod at the shoulders? Jaime Flowers Ashley came in character as Scarelett as Charlie Ashley played Rhett Butler. The classic sketch played in the background at the gala.
Scott Greenwood and Paul Brockman went to a dozen different stores to complete their uniforms as California Highway Patrol officers in the classic TV show, CHIPs. "Everyone knows that Erik Estrada played Ponch, but can you name the actor who played Jon?" Brockman asked. (It was Larry Wilcox.)
The Flintstones' Kim Westfall and Megan O'Loughlin had a "Yabba, Dabba, Do," time.
Catastrophic cast members Karina Bowers is Grizzly Adams while her hubby Noel Bowers, is a furry creature — Gentle Ben perhaps?
Fritz Lanham and Kellye Sanford came as Don and Betty Draper from Mad Men.
The whole crew from Gilligan's Island -- from left, Mark Wozny as the professor, Nancy Wonzy as Mary Ann, Lee Steely as Thurston Howell III, Katherine DeLaune as Lovey Howell , and John Dascoulias (center) as Gilligan.
Karen Mata as Lucille Ball poses with Carolyn Houston Boone, associate professor of acting and directing at the University of Houston School of Theatre and Dance. Boone taught Parsons at UH.
Jennifer Blessington looks Lost.
Kate Krause is a Mouseketeer.
J.B. Fairbanks as Wheel of Fortune's Pat Sajak.
